Turmeric
Turmeric is a rhizome belonging to the same family as ginger. It is used fresh or ground in many recipes. This spice has a beautiful bright orange color, it goes very well with lentils, potatoes or white meat. Turmeric is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Curcuma longa is the most commonly used species, but we can also mention curcuma domestica, the aromatica variety or curcuma alismatifolia, which is often found in garden centers for its beautiful flowers. This rhizome is easy to grow.
You have two possibilities to plant a turmeric rhizome. Either you leave it in a bowl of water just immersed so that it develops its roots or you plant it directly in a pot filled with soil and river sand. It will be necessary to take care not to water the ground too much to avoid that the rhizome rots. You can plant it from February to May. If you wish to plant it in your kitchen garden, it will be necessary to choose a half-shaded place with regular waterings. The soil should be rich and well drained.
Turmeric likes a slightly humid environment so you will have to water it well but without drowning the plant. You will also have to remove the dead leaves and the vegetal debris at its foot. The harvest will be done in autumn, almost six months after its plantation. The rhizomes can be kept for several months in a dry place, protected from air and light.
Turmeric
- Type : Aromatic plants
- Subtype : Tuber vegetables
- Botanical family : Zingiberaceae
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Vivace
- Exposure : Partial shade
- Hardiness : Frost resistant
- Cultivation difficulty : Easy to grow, but requires regular maintenance (difficulty : 2/3)
- Adult height : 60 cm
Sowing & planting
- Sowing depth : 1 cm
- Plant spacing : 15 cm
- Row spacing : 30 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water requirements : Moderate